Europa Mediterranean Cafe opened its doors in September 1998, bringing Richmond its first ever tapas and Mediterranean style restaurant. A tapas (the little dishes of Spain) menu of close to 20 selections has become an instant hit with guests, offering an entirely new experience in dining. Popular items on the tapas menu include seared rare tuna, grilled shrimp brochettes, Spanish meats and cheeses, lamb meatballs and many others. Add to that a full selection of entrees and its signature dish, paella, and its easy to see why Europa gives diners one of the most complex and interesting menus Richmond has to offer. From simple pasta preparations, seared tuna and scallops and oven roasted free range chicken to more unusual dishes like grilled lamb kabobs, salmon tartare and octopus salad, Europa offers something for all types of diners. An extensive bar, wide selection of European and American wines and Sangria made in house complete an experience like none other.
Parking: Street
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Four hours, two dinners, multiple menu items and endless questions later, I can't figure out what Europa is going for these days moody Mediterranean bar servicing a chic drinking crowd or mediocre Italian restaurant serving overpriced attempts at originality?
Currently, it's managing to be both . . . seemingly to its benefit and detriment, depending on what type of clientele you are.
When the Richmond Restaurant Group opened this swanky Shockoe Slip hideaway in 1998, it was one of the first restaurants to feed Richmond's long-standing obsession with tapas.
For years, Europa was the place for extroverts to indulge in the breezily organic, two-floored space's seductiveness, socialize via small plates and gratify their hedonistic inclinations with pitchers of sangria.
Is Europa still this kind of place?
Atmosphere- and alcohol-wise, yes. Food- and service-wise, no.
For reasons I can't wrap my mind around, Europa recently changed its concept from "Mediterranean Café" to "Italian Café," ke (Full review)